July 2012 obituaries

by Editor on August 14, 2012

Alex Jaman

It is with heavy hearts we announce the death of Alexander Jaman. Alex, 88, passed away peacefully with his wife and family by his side, in Atikokan General Hospital, on June 25, 2012.

Alex was born April 9, 1924 to John and Anastasia Jaman in Stuartburn, Manitoba. He was the sixth child of five boys and five girls. Alex attended school in Somme, Manitoba.

Alex was a life member of St. Elias Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Sirko, Manitoba.  He was a member of the Atikokan Masonic Lodge No. 688, Khartum Shriners, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #145 and the Pioneer Club #158 in Atikokan for many years.

After leaving school, Alex worked at many jobs from harvesting grain in Northern Manitoba to logging in the Atikokan area, and as a heavy equipment operator at Steep Rock Iron Mines. He was also the #1 admirer of his wife’s cakes, sewing and quilting projects.

He leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife Lorena, stepchildren Lanny (Kim) Cross, Kevin (Sharon) Cross, Tanis and Doug Hampshire and Eileen Cross, brothers Nick (Stella), Peter, John and Marj Jaman, numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at Riverview United Church, Atikokan, on Saturday, June 30, and at St. Elias Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Sirko, Manitoba on Monday, July 2.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Atikokan General Hospital, Riverview United Church, or St. Elias Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Jim Murphy

Jim Murphy, 83, passed away Friday, June 15, 2012.

Jim was born in Thunder Bay on April 7, 1929 and as a young man attended school there and helped with the family farm. He came to Atikokan at 21 years of age to work as a surveyor for Steep Rock Iron Mines, then as the butcher at Tom’s Store, and then as master carpenter building houses and cottages.

Jim enjoyed bowling, darts, baseball and basketball (in his younger years), however the most important part of his life was his family. In 2003 he married Eva Wilkins and not only gained a wife, but children and grandchildren – and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for any of them.

Jim will be missed by his family Gina (Al) Walden, Jen (Mark) Brown and children, Kristen Walden, Pat (Bob) Halwachs, Matt Halwachs, Zack Halwachs, and Chris Halwachs.

If you wish, donations can be made the Atikokan General Hospital, Extended Care Wing.

“Some things are harder than others, but nothing is impossible.”

~ Jim Murphy

Randy Collins

Randal (Randy) Carter Collins, 63, of Atikokan, passed away at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, surrounded by his family, Sunday, June 17, after a hard fight against cancer and complications that followed. He will be greatly missed.

Randy was born in Claxton, Georgia, May 11, 1949 and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He moved to Atikokan with his wife Gail in 1978 when he began his career with the Atikokan Township Police Department. He retired from the OPP in 2010. His passions in life were his faith, family, friends, and his job. He excelled at all of them. He was a kind, loving, dependable, strong, compassionate, fun, humorous, tender hearted, straight shooter, giant teddy bear, man of faith! He did a fantastic job with his time here on earth!

Survived by wife, Gail Collins, sons Kevin (Jennifer) Collins, Keith (Andrea) Collins, daughter Kari (Justin) Sanders; nine grandchildren, Griffin, Gaven, Carter, Aida, Zoe, Mackenzie, Briana, Caleb, and Kanyon; sisters Elaine Howard and Marcia Martin; mother and father-in-law Rita and James Wolframe; brothers and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Carter (C.B.) and Marion Collins and sister Karen Parks.

A memorial service celebrating Randy’s life was held at Little Falls Community Centre Saturday, June 23.

Elise Paré

Elise Marie Paré (nee Warren), 76, of Ajax, Ontario, passed away on Friday, June 29 at Ballycliffe Long Term Care facility. She had resided in Atikokan until her move to Ajax in October 2008.

She was born in Fort Frances on July 18, 1935, to Deneige (nee Gagné) and Emmett Warren.

Elise enjoyed many crafts, including knitting and crocheting, her flower and vegetable garden, her cottage at Eva Lake and her time with the CWL Ladies and the lunches with the Birthday Girls.

She is survived by her children, Michael (Beverly) of Tottenham, Diane (Fernando) of Ajax and Robert (Fadia) of Calgary, grandchildren Lauren, Louis, Olivia and Isabelle, and many other relatives. She will be sadly missed by all.

She was predeceased by husband Roland in 2001, brothers Con Warren, Fin Warren and Paul Warren, and her parents.

No funeral will be held, but a memorial mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Church in Atikokan at a later date. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Ballycliffe Long Term Care Facility, 70 Station St, Ajax or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

“To live in hearts we leave behind, is not to die”

~ Thomas Campbell

Ariel May Buchanan

Mrs. Ariel May Buchanan, age 95, of Atikokan, ON passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Wednesday, July 4th, 2012 at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital. Ariel was born in Minitonas, MB on May 16, 1917 to Robert and Julia Burnett. Ariel enjoyed a happy childhood with sister Elsie and brother Gordon.  As a young woman, she worked in her father’s sawmill and helped prepare meals for the sawmill crews.

Ariel was married to Archie Buchanan on June 7, 1939 and they moved to Atikokan with their daughter Beverley in 1955.  Ariel was a talented and creative individual who pursued many interests.  She managed Chapples ladies wear and was an accomplished dressmaker; her designs included wedding gowns and figure skating costumes.  She also provided the latest hairstyles to family and friends and after practicing sufficiently on humans, she took up the art of pet grooming and became well known for the beautiful clips she provided. She raised several litters of poodles and adored her furry little friends.

Many happy years were spent with Archie at their winter home in Weslaco, Texas where they enjoyed entertaining the many family and friends who came to visit.

Most important to Ariel was her family and her faith. She was positive, kind, hard-working and conscientious in all that she did.  Ariel could always be counted on to help family and friends and cared for her own mother who also lived to the age of 95.

She was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses for over 69 years and a member of the Atikokan Congregation for the past 57 years. During those many years she willingly helped others become familiar with the Bible and its wonderful promises for the future.  Her faith was responsible for her long and happy, healthy life.

Ariel was predeceased by her husband Archie (2004), sister Elsie Finlay (1987) and brother Gordon Burnett (2007).

She is urvived by daughter Beverley (Louis) Bang of Atikokan: grandchildren Heidi Smith (Bill), Thunder Bay; Rob Bang (Donna), Atikokan; great granddaughters Brandee Bang and Mariah Mrakic and great, great granddaughter Jaida Steele, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  Ariel was very proud of her five generations!

Ariel was able to remain independent at home until this spring with support from her many friends and family; especially from daughter Beverley and son-in-law Louis.

Cremation has been completed and a memorial service held Monday, July 23rd   at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Atikokan with Alfred Jones officiating. As expressions of sympathy, donations in Ariel’s memory to the Atikokan General Hospital Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

 

Robert (Bob) Martin

Robert Frank Martin, 82, of Atikokan, Ontario, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2012 with his family by his side. He had struggled with ill health over the last number of years.

He was born in Montreal, Quebec and later moved to Churchill, Manitoba where he spent many years working on the DEW Line, as well and hunting, trapping, and dogsledding. He fondly remembered and proudly told stories of this time in his life.

Years later he moved to Atikokan, where he initially worked at the Charelson Mining operation, and later Caland Ore. During this time he was involved with the building and management of the Radisson Motel. After the closure of the local mining operations, he managed the Atikokan Municipal Airport. He later was involved in a large number of mining projects throughout Northwestern Ontario, and he left a lasting impression through his work locally at the Little Falls suspension bridge, and performing home renovations for many fellow Atikokanites.

He had a passion for, and took great satisfaction in, working with his hands. There was no job he wasn’t able to take on and perform confidently and exceptionally. His talents and pride in his workmanship were well renowned. He was especially proud of the beautiful homes he built for his family.

He had many hobbies, but he was most known as an avid skier and he was instrumental in bringing alpine skiing to Atikokan. He was an excellent ski instructor, having taught many locals the sport.

He is survived by his loving wife Patricia, sons Gordon Martin (Sandy) and Shane McCormack (Erin), sister Thelma (Neil) Rhicard, brother Brian (Dawn) Martin, brother Victor (Catherine), granddaughter Stephanie and grandson Cullen, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

His father, Frank Martin, and mother, Margot Martin, predeceased him.

All at family gatherings in the future will miss “The Bobber’s” “up north” stories. His granddaughter Stephanie will especially miss her lunch dates.

A celebration of the life of Bob Martin is planned for Friday, July 20, at 1 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion, Atikokan branch.

If friends desire, in memoriam donations in the name of Bob Martin to Wesway Respite Care would be appreciated (www.wesway.com; #210 – 1703 E. Victoria Avenue; Thunder Bay, ON P7C 1C8).

Edward ‘Ned’ Byrne

Edward Thomas ‘Ned’ Byrne, 81, of Atikokan, Ontario, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 7, 2012 at the Atikokan General Hospital.

Ned was born on October 10, 1930 in Bell Island, Newfoundland, to the late Lawrence and Bridget Byrne. In 1966 he moved to Atikokan. He worked as a labourer in the mines, both underground and open pit. He enjoyed playing solitaire, doing word searches, fishing, going for walks with Mary, reading the Downhome magazine and taking trips back to Newfoundland. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Church. His wife Mary and family were the love of his life and he always enjoyed their visits and he will be sadly missed by them.

He was united in marriage with the former Mary Cole on September 8, 1951 who survives along with their five children, Larry (Gloria), Patricia Byrne, Eileen Cross, Rosalyn (Mark) Freeman and Edward (Cherie). Also left to cherish his memory are numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, three siblings, Loretta Byrne, Mary (John) Ryan, James (Anna), as well as nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents and sisters Agnes (Ben) Burke, Theresa, Kathleen and Annie Byrne.

A memorial mass to celebrate Edward’s life was held Thursday, July 12, at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church. Father Elvis Odoeghbulem officiated; interment followed at Little Falls Cemetery. The honourary pallbearers were James Byrne, Monty Rundle, Paul Cross, Mark Freeman, Ed Byrne and Robert Freeman.

Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. The family extends thanks to the staff at both Atikokan General Hospital and Tamarack House (Thunder Bay) for all their help and compassion during this difficult time.

On-line condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com

Travis Cain

Travis Cain passed away peacefully with his family by his side at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton AB on July 18, 2012.

Travis was born on August 28, 1984 to Michelle and Greg Cain in Atikokan, Ontario.

Travis’ life was always full of fun and adventure. He was an avid outdoorsman, sports enthusiast and never passed the opportunity to try something new. He could always be found fishing, hunting, camping or playing any type of sport. He loved to travel and visited many exciting locations. Travis also had a deep passion for his trucks.

He was employed with Team Industrial in Fort McMurray Alberta as a Lead Hand Machinist. While there he earned his ticket as a Journeyman Red Seal Machinist.

Travis was predeceased by his grandfather George Hache. He will be lovingly remembered by his mom and dad Michelle and Greg, sister Krystal (Mike) Bain, nephew Tyler, grandparents Olive Hache, Shirley and Ken Cain, girlfriend Ashley, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins and his loyal dog Hurley.

Funeral service will be held at Riverview United Church at 1:00 p.m.  Reception will follow at the Royal Canadian Legion from 2-4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Kidsport Ontario, Atikokan Chapter by contacting Sandra Halasz at the Royal Bank or Tammy Faykes at the Atikokan Northwestern Health Unit. Donations can also be received by mail to Atikokan Kidsport P.O. 1957, Atikokan Ontario, P0T 1C0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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